What does "cheeky" mean?

1. (playfully rude) being slightly rude or bold, but in a way that is funny or charming rather than truly mean. 2. (a quick treat) used to describe something you enjoy as a small, often unhealthy treat, usually done quickly or without planning.

How do you use "cheeky"?

Often used to describe children or playful adults. Commonly collocates with food and drink items like 'pint', 'Nando's', or 'snack'.

cheeky

adj.

US //ˈtʃiki// UK //tʃˈiːki// cheeky

1 playfully rude (adj.)
B1 Intermediate British English Informal

being slightly rude or bold, but in a way that is funny or charming rather than truly mean.

impudent or impertinent in a manner that is perceived as amusing, endearing, or harmlessly bold.

Example

The boy gave his teacher a cheeky grin after making a joke in class.

Example

His cheeky response to the interviewer's serious question managed to break the tension and win over the panel.

Usage

Often used to describe children or playful adults.
- impudent
- sassy
- bold
- polite
- respectful
2 a quick treat (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal

used to describe something you enjoy as a small, often unhealthy treat, usually done quickly or without planning.

denoting an indulgence or treat, often consumed spontaneously or when one perhaps should not.

Example

We decided to go for a cheeky burger on the way home from the gym.

Example

After a long week of dieting, she treated herself to a cheeky glass of wine while finishing her book.

Usage

Commonly collocates with food and drink items like 'pint', 'Nando's', or 'snack'.

Origin

From cheek + -y. Compare typologically barefaced, bald-faced; Italian sfacciato (< Latin ex- + faciēs); French effronté, Italian sfrontato (< Latin ex- + frons), Polish czelny (< czoło).

Idioms1 entry

01
cheeky monkey
An impudent person, usually a child.